Portrait of a Gentleman 1530

This “Portrait of a Gentleman” was painted by Lorenzo Lotto sometime in the first half of the 16th century, using oil on canvas. The texture of the canvas support is completely disguised by the artist's technique. Lotto has built up the paint surface with layers of thin glazes, especially visible in the sitter’s dark clothing. It’s all about smooth illusionism, and a high degree of finish. The velvety appearance of the sitter's garments is a testament to the artist’s skill. Oil paint allowed Lotto to create a detailed representation of the sitter’s clothing, capturing the way light falls across the folds of fabric. There is also a socio-economic aspect. Lotto, like other Renaissance masters, depended on wealthy patrons to support his artistic practice. Paintings like these can be seen as luxury goods, commissioned to project the status and wealth of the sitter. This challenges conventional distinctions between ‘art’ and ‘craft’, highlighting the deep imbrication of painting in the wider material culture of its time.